EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Millipede Detritivore . While decomposers break down dead, organic materials, detritivores-like millipedes, earthworms, and termites-eat dead organisms and wastes.

Detailed explanation-2: -Decomposers and scavengers break down dead plants and animals. They also break down the waste (poop) of other organisms. Decomposers are very important for any ecosystem. If they weren’t in the ecosystem, the plants would not get essential nutrients, and dead matter and waste would pile up.

Detailed explanation-3: -Decomposers (fungi, bacteria, invertebrates such as worms and insects) have the ability to break down dead organisms into smaller particles and create new compounds. We use decomposers to restore the natural nutrient cycle through controlled composting. Decomposers are the link that keeps the circle of life in motion.

Detailed explanation-4: -Food starts breaking down into smaller pieces as decomposers secrete digestive enzymes into organic materials that are their food sources. Food is then absorbed into the decomposer’s body through the mycelium (the network of hyphae outside of the fungus).